The City's Backyard

Matt Zako
  • 4.9 (12)
  • ARTS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

The City's Backyard with Matt Zako. A Podcast For New York City's Backyard or any city's backyard across the world! Covering Arts, Entertainment, music and the community! 

  1. The City's Backyard Ep 197 Blues Bassist James 'JB" Barnes releases his new album, My Mississippi Roots! Check out the title track and the delightful cover of Sara Smile!

    4D AGO

    The City's Backyard Ep 197 Blues Bassist James 'JB" Barnes releases his new album, My Mississippi Roots! Check out the title track and the delightful cover of Sara Smile!

    James Barnes — known to audiences throughout the region as JB — carries the blues in his blood. Born in Cleveland, Ohio, and raised in New Jersey after his family moved east in 1965, he grew up steeped in the sound and spirit of the music. On his father’s side, JB traces his lineage back to Mississippi, the wellspring from which so much of this tradition flows. Those “Mississippi Roots” became more than just family history; they formed the bedrock of his artistic calling. JB didn’t come to the blues casually. He studied the greats —those who laid the path before him, those who continue to shape the form today. That study became devotion, and in 2016, the New Jersey Blues Hall of Fame recognized that devotion, honoring him as a “Great Blues Artist.” His first recording, JB’s Favorite Things (2023), established him as an independent artist with something genuine to say. His long-running band, BBD Rhythm & Blues, which he founded in 2012, has been carrying that message across clubs, festivals, and concert halls throughout New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and Delaware for more than a decade. JB’s mission is plain spoken yet profound: to honor the artists who came before him while ensuring the blues remains vibrant in the present. His latest project makes that mission personal. My Mississippi Roots, was released in the fall of 2025, and is more than a record — it is a testimony. The title track tells the story of JB’s father, Jerry Lee Barnes Sr., a man of quiet determination who journeyed from the deep South to the industrial North in search of work and a better life for his family. “His Mississippi Roots,” JB says, “are my Mississippi Roots.” Produced by guitarist, songwriter, and longtime friend Anthony Krizan, My Mississippi Roots combines JB’s storytelling with contributions from a host of musicians —including his son, Jarred “Arktkt” Barnes — whose playing brings fresh fire to the tradition. The record traverses the landscape of the blues and beyond: original compositions, heartfelt tributes, and reimagined classics all rendered with conviction.  For more info on James and his tour dates: https://www.jbkeepingthebluesalive.com

    36 min
  2. The City's Backyard Ep 196 Elizabeth Hines, widow of DENNY LAINE from The Moody Blues and Paul McCartney & WINGS! Liz talks about her late husband Denny and the role he played in WINGS with Paul and Linda McCartney in MAN On The RUN on Prime!

    MAR 2

    The City's Backyard Ep 196 Elizabeth Hines, widow of DENNY LAINE from The Moody Blues and Paul McCartney & WINGS! Liz talks about her late husband Denny and the role he played in WINGS with Paul and Linda McCartney in MAN On The RUN on Prime!

    Special Guest Elizabeth Hines the widow of the late Denny Laine from Paul McCartney and WINGS and earlier The Moody Blues talks about her take on the film and her late husband's career with WINGS. Man on the Run is a 2025 documentary film directed by Morgan Neville about the life of Paul McCartney from his formation of Wings through the 1970s. McCartney is credited as an executive producer. The film coincides with the 2025 box set Wings, and the book Wings: The Story of a Band on the Run. Listen to previous interviews with Denny here: https://thecitysbackyard.buzzsprout.com/939277/episodes/12103946-the-city-s-backyard-s3-e9-denny-laine-from-the-moody-blues-and-paul-mccartney-and-wings-chats-about-his-songs-stories-tour-plus-his-days-with-the-moody-blues-and-wings This next one was recorded live on the radio! https://thecitysbackyard.buzzsprout.com/939277/episodes/12228137-the-city-s-backyard-s3-e12-rocknroll-hall-of-famer-denny-laine-from-the-moody-blues-and-paul-mccartney-wings-drops-by-the-city-s-backyard-live-streaming-rock-show-on-factory-underground-radio-to-chat-about-his-

    41 min
  3. The City's Backyard Ep 195 Acclaimed singer-songwriter Matthew Curry with his new album ONE FOR THE RIDE! "A wonderful guitar player and great songwriter " - Steve Miller "Curry is the next guitar hero" - Peter Frampton

    FEB 23

    The City's Backyard Ep 195 Acclaimed singer-songwriter Matthew Curry with his new album ONE FOR THE RIDE! "A wonderful guitar player and great songwriter " - Steve Miller "Curry is the next guitar hero" - Peter Frampton

    "A wonderful guitar player and great songwriter " - Steve Miller      "Curry is the next guitar hero" - Peter Frampton      Acclaimed singer-songwriter Matthew Curry returns with his new album ONE FOR THE RIDE, a dynamic and heartfelt collection that showcases the full range of his musicianship -- from fiery, virtuostic guitar work to intimate, emotionally rich songwriting. The album explores life on the road, love celebration, personal reflection, and Americana storytelling, all delivered with Curry's signature depth and gritty authenticity.    Born and raised in Bloomington, Illinois, Curry picked up the guitar at age four, was performing live by eight, and leading his own band by eleven. Curry's distinctive blend of blues, rock, southern rock, and old-school country has earned him a devoted audience across the globe. Over the years, Matthew has toured with major icons including the Doobie Brothers, Steve Miller Band, Peter Frampton, Journey, Don Felder, with Steve Miller praising Curry as "a wonderful guitar player and great songwriter in the league of Stevie Ray Vaughan."    One For The Ride captures Curry's life on the road, his love for storytelling, and the musical influences that shaped him. The album bursts open with high-energy southern rock flair, drawing inspiration from the raw spirit of bands like ZZ Top and the timeless road-song tradition.Tracks like "Rum Stumblin'" showcase Curry's knack for crafting fun, bluesy, party-driven grooves, while "Born Behind The Wheel" leans into gritty riffs and harmonies rooted in the southern rock Curry grew up listening to. For more on Matthew Curry check at the website: https://matthewcurry.com

    42 min
  4. The City's Backyard Ep 194 MAY PANG, John Lennon and Yoko Ono's personal assistant and production coordinator during the 1970's drops by to chat about The Lost Weekend Documentary and her 2026 May Pang photo exhibition tour!

    FEB 16

    The City's Backyard Ep 194 MAY PANG, John Lennon and Yoko Ono's personal assistant and production coordinator during the 1970's drops by to chat about The Lost Weekend Documentary and her 2026 May Pang photo exhibition tour!

    May Pang is our guest this week on The City's Backyard Podcast! Few people knew John Lennon as intimately as May Pang. Pang was Lennon’s lover during the infamous “Lost Weekend” which lasted 18 months. During this creative time for Lennon, Pang took candid photos of Lennon in a comfortable, relaxed environment. Matt Zako interviews May about her relationship with John Lennon, her documentary called The Lost Weekend and the May Pang "The Lost Weekend" photo exhibition!  Check out the May Pang “The Lost Weekend” photo exhibition. Free Admission, All Photographs available for purchase. May Pang will be in attendance. ***Please note – As per gallery requirements, May can only autograph items purchased at the exhibition. Friday, February 20 – Sunday, February 22, 2026 Athens, GA (Winterville, GA) Winterville Cultural Center, 371 N. Church St, Winterville, GA “The Lost Weekend – The Photography of May Pang” featuring May Pang appearance Hours: Friday 4p-8p, Saturday 12p-6p & Sunday 1p-5p Tuesday, February 24 & Wednesday, February 25 Roswell, GA (Atlanta area) “The Lost Weekend – The Photography of May Pang” featuring appearance by May Pang Mimms Museum of Technology & Art, 5000 Commerce Parkway, Roswell, GA Hours: 12p – 7p Friday, February 27 – Sunday, March 1 Macon, GA “The Lost Weekend – The Photography of May Pang” featuring May Pang appearance Gallery West, 447 3rd Street, Macon, GA Hours: Friday 12p – 7p (opening reception 5p – 7p), Saturday 11a – 5p & Sunday, 12p – 4p Friday, March 13 – Sunday, March 15 Jacksonville, FL Gallery 725, 13475 Atlantic Blvd, Jacksonville, FL “The Lost Weekend – The Photography of May Pang” featuring May Pang appearance Hours: Friday 5p – 8p, Saturday 1p – 6p and Sunday 12p – 4p Friday, March 20 – Sunday, March 22, 2026 Winter Garden, FL (Orlando, FL) The Grotto at Stoneybrook West, 12572 Stoneybrook West Pkwy, Winter Garden, FL “The Lost Weekend – The Photography of May Pang” featuring May Pang appearance Hours: Friday 4p – 7p, Saturday 12p – 6p & Sunday, 12p – 4p Saturday, March 28 – Saturday, April 4 “Flower Power Cruise featuring the Beach Boys, Rascals, Micky Dolenz, Tommy James, Cowsills & more! Fort Lauderdale, FL Friday, April 17 – Sunday, April 19, 2026 Roanoke, VA Wilson Hughes Gallery, 117 Campbell Ave SW, Roanoke, VA “The Lost Weekend – The Photography of May Pang” featuring May Pang appearance Hours: Friday 4p – 7p, Saturday 12p – 6p & Sunday, 12p – 4p Tuesday, April 21 & Wednesday, April 22 Richmond, VA anne’s Visual Art Studio gallery, 208 W. Broad Street, Richmond, VA “The Lost Weekend – The Photography of May Pang” featuring May Pang appearance Hours: 1p – 7p Friday, April 24 – Sunday, April 26, 2026 Virginia Beach, VA Stravitz Sculpture & Fine Art Gallery, 1217 Larkin Rd, Virginia Beach, VA “The Lost Weekend – The Photography of May Pang” featuring May Pang appearance Hours: Friday 10a – 6p, Saturday 10a – 6p & Sunday, 12p – 4p Friday, June 5 – Sunday, June 7 Rochester, MN Studio 324 (First Floor in the Fagan Studios Bldg.), 324 Broadway Ave S, Ste 100, Rochester, MN “The Lost Weekend – The Photography of May Pang” featuring May Pang appearance Hours: Fri 2p – 7p, Sat 12p – 6p & Sun 12p – 4p Tuesday, June 9 & Wednesday, June 10 Fargo, ND Underbrush Gallery, 1450 25th Street South, Fargo, ND “The Lost Weekend – The Photography of May Pang” featuring May Pang appearance For more info and dates click on the link: https://www.maypang.com/

    36 min
  5. The City's Backyard Ep 193 MULLETT the 80's tribute ROCKS Connecticut, Rhode Island, PA, and more! Dan Halen talks about the 80's bands, Mullett's upcoming shows and more!

    FEB 10

    The City's Backyard Ep 193 MULLETT the 80's tribute ROCKS Connecticut, Rhode Island, PA, and more! Dan Halen talks about the 80's bands, Mullett's upcoming shows and more!

    We check in with our friend Dan Halen from MULLETT! He talks about what makes this 80's tribute band fun and why they stand out from other tribute bands out there! They are playing locally in Old Saybrook, CT and Norwalk, CT soon! Since 2010, Mullett has stood as the nation’s definitive 80’s rock-and-roll powerhouse! This isn't just a tribute; it’s a high-voltage time capsule. By fusing iconic "big hair" aesthetics with massive visual production and fanatical attention to sonic detail, Mullett recreates the arena-rock glory days with unrivaled conviction. From elite corporate events and sold-out theaters to high-stakes casinos and legendary nightclubs, Mullett possesses the rare ability to command any stage and electrify any audience. They don’t just play the hits—they embody the era. Fans and critics alike agree: witnessing Mullett is the closest you can get to the raw energy of Bon Jovi, Def Leppard, Van Halen, Journey, and Motley Crue without needing a Flux Capacitor or tricked-out DeLorean. Grab your spandex, catch Mullett at a venue near you, and let the 80’s live forever! To check where they will play next click on their website!  https://www.mullettrocks.com/tour-dates

    31 min
  6. The City's Backyard Ep 192 PROGNOSIS: The American Pink Floyd's keyboardist Rob Russell talks about their upcoming show in Westport, CT "Journey Through The History of Pink Floyd" plus some local dates in New York!

    FEB 3

    The City's Backyard Ep 192 PROGNOSIS: The American Pink Floyd's keyboardist Rob Russell talks about their upcoming show in Westport, CT "Journey Through The History of Pink Floyd" plus some local dates in New York!

    Prognosis The American Pink Floyd has been performing the  music of Pink Floyd with incredible album accuarcy for 15 years both in the USA and internationally Known for their elaborate lights, lasers, and video projections Prognosis The American Pink Floyd is considered to be the best and most accurate ​Pink Floyd experience. On this episode we talk with keyboardist Rob Russell from Prognosis!  UPCOMING SHOWS 2026 Tri state tour dates Saturday 2/21 Westport VFW Saturday 3/21 The Town Crier in Beacon, New York Outdoor Show in West Harrison, NY this summer More coming soon!  To Purchase tickets to The Westport VFW which is open to the public buy here!  https://www.prognosismusic.com

    23 min
  7. The City's Backyard Ep 191 The BURRITO BROTHERS front man CHRIS P. JAMES talks about the bands long history and brand new album The Magic Time Machine of Love!

    JAN 26

    The City's Backyard Ep 191 The BURRITO BROTHERS front man CHRIS P. JAMES talks about the bands long history and brand new album The Magic Time Machine of Love!

    We are going out to TENNESSEE to chat with Chris P. James is their front man. He plays keyboards and guitar and harmonica. Writes great songs too. He wound up with the Burrito Brothers in 2009. He was offered and accepted a record deal to make a new Burritos album in 2010 by the group that would trademark the name “Burrito Brothers” and would enable them to continue performing and recording as The Burrito Brothers, thus, continuing the band’s legacy.  Will James from Gram Parsons International says, ““This latest incarnation is the closest to the original FBB sound of all of the previous bands.”  Gram Parsons said it best…The idea'll keep going on. It's not like it's dead or anything. Whether I do it or anybody else does it, it's got to keep going."    The band has a new album entitled, The Magic Time Machine of Love, released worldwide on the TLAK record label. For more on The Burrito Brothers check out their website!  https://www.theburritobrothers.net

    34 min
  8. The City's Backyard Ep 190 LOVE or Fear is in the air as Comedians DAVIN & AUTUMN HARVIST drop by to chat about the world of comedy and their upcoming show in WESTPORT, CT on Friday the 13th, Valentines Day Weekend!

    JAN 20

    The City's Backyard Ep 190 LOVE or Fear is in the air as Comedians DAVIN & AUTUMN HARVIST drop by to chat about the world of comedy and their upcoming show in WESTPORT, CT on Friday the 13th, Valentines Day Weekend!

    Comedy Night @ The VFW Westport - Friday  FEB 13th! Doors at 6pm Show at 8pm! PLENTY of Free parking! Featuring 4 great comedians! Paul Taro, Autumn Harvist, DAVIN who is the headliner and JOE PONTILLO!Location: 465 Riverside Avenue, Westport, CT 06880Laughing Gas Comedy and The City's Backyard Podcast present another night of pain free comedy at the VFW Westport. We are back following our wildly successful comedy shows!! Tickets are $20 online and at the door. Please buy in advance as this will sellout because of limited seating! The venue has a full bar as well as a limited snacks! Sponsored by Spacecat Brewing!Tickets: Eventbrite $20 plus feehttps://www.eventbrite.com/e/upstairs-comedy-night-at-the-vfw-valentines-edition-tickets-1978626303537?aff=oddtdtcreator

    34 min
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4.9
out of 5
12 Ratings

About

The City's Backyard with Matt Zako. A Podcast For New York City's Backyard or any city's backyard across the world! Covering Arts, Entertainment, music and the community! 

Information

  • Creator
    Matt Zako
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    373
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The City's Backyard
  • Show Website
    The City's Backyard

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